Harley: Prince Of Tigers, Book 5

by Kathi S. Barton

  “That’s only one of the many things I love about her, Ben. Her ability to keep me on my toes and to keep both of us safe.” After Ben—she knew what his name was now—left them, they snuggled up on the couch. “How about you and I get married in the morning? You’ll legally be my wife, and we can be happily married.”

  “Happily? You’re very sure of yourself, don’t you think?” Harley kissed her. “All right. I guess I can do that. However, I’d very much like it if we didn’t make a big deal about it. Just us and our families.”

  He laughed. “Honey, I don’t know if you realize this or not, but when we all get together, it’s a big deal in just the volume of people.” She realized he was right. “I love you, Micky. With all my heart and soul.”

  Micky was exhausted. As much as she wanted to answer him, she couldn’t. Closing her eyes, she let sleep take her under as Harley wrapped her tightly into his arms and body. She thought she could sleep like this for the rest of her days.

  Chapter 6

  Marcus looked over the food that had been laid out. His family was going to be here soon to watch the football game with him. And since this was the first time he’d had the entire gang over since buying his home, he wanted it to be perfect. Especially since his brother had gotten married yesterday at the courthouse.

  This was, he hoped, a sort of wedding after spread. Marcus knew he wasn’t supposed to do anything for them, as they didn’t want anything more than their vows spoken. No party. No dinner. Only family. Well, he couldn’t just let that go by without something.

  “I’ve only to put the wings in the oven to reheat them, then it’s all set. May I ask you something?” He smiled at Betty, his cook for the last few months. “Why not have just chips and dip? I mean, it would be a great deal cheaper. I don’t know that they’ll even eat half this. I’m not saying you have to go cheap, but…you know what? Just forget it. I’m just worried they’ll not like a thing.”

  “Trust me when I tell you, they’ll love it all. More than love it. They’ll be asking for more.” He checked out the bottles of beer and other drinks on the deck. It had turned so cold that he didn’t need to bother with ice. Just put the stuff outside, and it was set. Betty asked him if he needed anything else. “No. I think we got it. Are you going to watch the game with us? It’ll be nothing like you’ve ever seen before.”

  “That’s why I’m going to go to my house and watch it quietly in my living room. Are the women coming? That was a silly question. I believe they like football, or any other kind of physical contact sports, as much as you men do.” He laughed, not telling her that next game they were going to see it in person, in a personal box. “Before I forget, I’m to remind you about the books lying on your desk that need to be signed and sent out. I’ve set up the mailers. Just make sure Harper doesn’t write something dirty on them, please. These people want a signature, not a potty mouth.”

  “I’ll try. But I honestly am afraid of her, so if you don’t mind, Betty, I’m going to just tell her she needs to take care of them. I did hear from someone that knows Harper and was thrilled with her…I believe he called them her words of wisdom.” She asked what it had said. “Keep a condom nearby because we’ve no need for more of you around.”

  Betty was still tisking as she left him there. He didn’t care. They got along nicely, the two of them. And Marcus really was afraid of all his new sisters. They were no longer in-laws but his sisters. He couldn’t love them anymore, he thought.

  Going into the large living room, he turned his chair to the sliding glass door and watched it snow outside. It was coming down so softly he thought it never occurred to anyone how equally dangerous it was.

  The day before yesterday, someone he knew had lost their life due to driving too fast in the slick areas while under the influence of alcohol. The man had three little ones at home, and every time he thought of Holloway, he was profoundly glad he’d not had them in the car with him.

  It was mesmerizing to watch the flakes come down, the way they piled up on the railing around his deck. The pool, long since covered, was creating an illusion that there was nothing dangerous under the snow with the ground surrounding it. He loved the way the trees bent slightly under the weight of the fallen snow. The sounds that he listened for when a branch was shed of its heavy burden. The way it bounced back to its proper place only to be filled again.

  “Marcus?” He turned and saw his parents there and got up to hug them. “You had the strangest look on your face just then. What were you thinking about?”

  “The snow falling.” Mom told Dad it had always been Marcus’s favorite time of the year. “It still is. I was also thinking of the way it’s been piling up since this morning. I hope the others can make it.”

  “I think they’re coming behind us. Harper stopped for some baby things for her little ones. She got them the cutest jerseys that say The Browns on them.” Mom went to the kitchen, and he could hear her asking Betty if she had everything under control.

  “You all right, son?” He said he was, very much so. “I don’t suppose you’ve given much thought on coming to work with me on those couple of projects, did you?”

  “I did, as a matter of fact. I have a list of questions on my desk.” Marcus went to his office and picked up the notebook he’d been toting around for weeks now. It had come in handy for keeping him straight. When he went back to the living room, his dad was sitting in his turned chair and watching the snow. “It’s a wonderful view, don’t you think? I could sit there for hours. I think I have on occasion.”

  “I can see the value in having a quiet place. I can at that. However, I think you spend entirely too much time by your lonesome, son. You need to get out more.” They’d had this conversation already, and he kissed his dad on the forehead as he handed him the notes he’d taken. “Right off the bat here, I can tell you I like this first one. I never would have thought of getting a license to resell. But do we need one to buy wholesale too?”

  “We’ll need bags and wrapping things if we have glass items donated. I know we’re going to use a lot of hanging racks, so we’re going to need those as well. We might as well try to save as much money we can by doing it this way.” Dad nodded as he went down the list. “I’ve spoken to the women in the family too. Piper has some contacts she can tap for some of the shoes and boots for kids. Micky suggested we hit up stores that are moving or going out of business. Sometimes they’re just happy to get rid of that sort of stuff. Also, the shelves they might have to get rid of.”

  “Your mom said we can also hit up auctions. They sometimes go in and clear out buildings of that sort of stuff too. I heard that was where the kitchen equipment came from for the café of sorts that is gonna be at the old school.” Marcus nodded and asked what they were going to do with the high school building. “I don’t know nothing for certain yet, but I guess they’re just going to let the faeries go in and clean it up for now. There was a lot of blood there, you know.”

  He did know. Marcus thought the entire town did. When Betty said she’d get it, he told her he was sorry. He’d not heard the door being knocked on. When she cried out and told him to come here, both his dad and mom ran to the front door as well.

  “I’m all right.” He wasn’t, but Marcus bent down to talk to him as he reached into his mind and body to see what was wrong with the child, how much pain he was in. “Tyler, he works down at the library a couple of times a week. He told me I was to find a Prince house when I needed help. I thought he’d be here today. Is he?”

  “Not yet. Would you like to come in and rest up?” He looked around the door like he was expecting someone or something to leap out at him. “The only people here are the ones that are standing right here. No one here will harm you.”

  “He told me that too. Tyler is the nicest man I ever met. His sister too, Mary.” He came into the room, and the scent of fresh blood hit Marcus. He also corrected him and told
him that Tyler’s sister was Meggie. “That’s right. I was testing you. Tyler said his brother-in-law was the nicest person around. And that his brothers were too. Are you one of the brothers?”

  “I am. I’m Marcus. These two are my parents and Olivia’s grandparents. And my cook Betty.” Betty asked him where his parents were. When he didn’t answer but eyed Betty hard, Marcus changed the subject. “We’re going to watch some football. And eat. I’m sure if you wanted anything that’s already out, no one will miss it. There are wings too.”

  “I don’t think I’m hungry.” He asked him his name. “Not yet. Not until I get to talk to Tyler.” He swayed a little, and Marcus picked him up gently. “I don’t feel so well.”

  “I’ve no doubt you don’t, young man. Come on now, let me get you in the living room.” Contacting Mark, he asked if he’d bring his bag with him and was told that with this family, he was forever ready. Thanking him, he told him what was going on. I don’t know who he is yet, but he’s in a great deal of pain. Two broken ribs, lacerations on his back and butt. As well as his upper thighs. I don’t want to jump to conclusions right now— Holy Christ, hurry, Mark, he’s throwing up blood.

  Mom and Dad helped him clean up the little boy. Reaching out to Tyler, he was able to find out that his name was Shane Johnston and that they weren’t to call his parents. He told Tyler what he was up against here.

  They’re the ones that did it to him. They beat him whenever they’re out of drugs, too high on drugs, or simply because they can. I’ve petitioned the courts to have him come and stay with me, but it’s not gone through as yet. Christ, Marcus, don’t let him die. He’s my friend. I’m on my way now. Is his sister with him?

  No. I’ll go out and find out if she’s close now. How old is she? He told him. What the hell is going on with that fucking family if a fourteen year old boy has to take care of his four year old sister? Tyler didn’t have an answer. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring this down on your head. Mark is here now. He’ll care for him, and I’ll go look for his sister. Do you know where she might be?

  After giving him a couple of locations where she might be, Marcus let his cat take him, then sniffed Shane to see if he could find the little girl’s scent on him. He no more got out the door when he heard the mewing of a cat. However, the scent led him right to the little girl hiding in his bushes.

  “Don’t eat me.” He didn’t call for help just yet—he wanted to make sure she was all right on his own. She was the cutest little kid he’d seen in a while. “Shane said he’d get me some food. So I don’t think you wanna eat me. I’m too skinny. See?”

  She lifted up her arm. He saw burn marks on it from what he thought might be a cigarette. Laying his head down on the snow, he inched closer to her until his nose was right at her bare foot. He licked it, and she giggled.

  Moving closer, he could almost taste her hunger. Calling for his mom and telling her to be careful, it was Dad that came out of the house.

  “Your momma is busy, son.” He got down on his knees when Marcus explained to him what was going on. “My goodness, son. What sort of bushes are these that have little girls growing on them? I’m going to have to get me a couple of them for our house. Hello there, little bit. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “Everybody says that, but they do. You called him your son. Is he really?” Dad told her that he was, and he was the nicest person around. “My mommy and daddy aren’t. They really hurt Shane this time.” She put her hand over her mouth. “I wasn’t suppose to tell our names yet. Not until Tyler comes to get us.”

  “It’s all right, honey. We got a doctor working with him right now. Why don’t you come on out from under that there bush, and we’ll get you something to eat? Do you have some shoes?” She shook her head. “Well, no matter. If you’ll let me, I’ll carry you into the house. Marcus, he has a spread of food in there that will make you full as a puppy. Come on now.”

  Dad, how is Shane?

  Dad only shook his head and walked into the house carrying the little girl. While Marcus didn’t know exactly what that meant, he was sure he’d not died.

  Going behind the house, Marcus shifted and came into his house from the kitchen area. Betty was there wiping at tears and making some broth. “Are you all right?”

  “No.” She turned to him with a wooden spoon in one hand and a large butcher knife in the other. “I want to hunt down them people and hurt them. There is no reason to—they fed him bleach, Marcus. Who does that to a child? Mark said he’d be all right if he can make it through the night, but he doesn’t see that happening. I’ve called the police too like I was told. Should have called out a hit squad and sent them to those peoples’ home is what I should be doing.”

  Marcus pulled her into his arms and hugged her. When she started sobbing, he held her tighter. Pulling away, she looked up at him, and his heart ached for her. He knew Betty had no children, as she wasn’t able to carry them full term. He asked her if she was better now.

  “I am. I’m sorry about that.” He said he was feeling the same thing about the kids. When Mark joined them in the room, he sat down hard and asked if there was any whiskey in the house. “I have just the ticket, I think. Won’t do you much good, I’m afraid, except bite the back of your throat. But you’re not drinking it to get drunk now, are you?”

  “Shane passed away ten minutes ago. Officer Benton is here now taking pictures of his body. Christ, Marcus, the kid looked like he’d gone fifty rounds with a fighter. Broken ribs, too many bruises to count. I’m sure his liver was damaged, as well as his belly. You could smell the bleach he had in his stomach. I have to tell you, if his parents were here, I’d kill them both. Where are we with having them arrested?” He told him what he knew. “Yes, I guess that would be better. Waiting to see what the cops want to do. Your mom told me there was another child. I’ll have a look at her too.”

  “She’s with my dad in the living room. He’s talking to her about how she came to be in the bushes outside the house. I haven’t figured out her name as yet, but she’s coming around.” Mark stood up, and Marcus said his name. “You can borrow one of my shirts if you’d like.”

  There was blood all over his. Not only that, but handprints too, like Mark had tried to wipe his hand off at some point. Nodding, Marcus handed the other man a shirt that was in the laundry room and asked about his wife.

  “She’s coming in her own car. Lydia said she was going to pick up some things she ordered for the new baby. Her heart is going to break over this. I almost want to tell her to go home.” Marcus didn’t think that would work. The simple fact that he asked her to go home would bring her here faster. Lydia was a great deal like her sisters.

  After telling everyone what was going on, they decided to come to the house anyway. The police were here now, he told them, as well as the county coroner. Marcus thought it was going to get very ugly when the family was notified of the death of their son.

  “Mr. Marcus?” It was the little girl. Bending down to her level again, he could tell she’d been crying. “That man said that Shane is gone. He left me, didn’t he? Daddy killed him, and now I’m not going to have a protector anymore.”

  “I’ll protect you. But in order to do that, I’ll need to know your name, honey.” She nodded, but instead of answering him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and sobbed into his shoulder. “I have you, sweetie. You’re not going back there. I promise you. I’ll make sure of it.”

  Marcus held her until she fell asleep. Holding her in his arms, he read her mind. It was easier now that she wasn’t stressed so much. The things he saw there made his cat snarl at him to do something about the things this child and her brother had endured. When his family arrived, they didn’t speak loudly as they normally did but told him they were so sorry.

  “So am I.”

  Tyler took it the hardest, of course. He wanted to adopt the children, but his grief was so pro
found that Mark had to sedate him. Of all the people in this family, the Wilsons knew just what it was like to be abused by their parents.

  ~*~

  Sharon heard the door being pounded on but was just feeling too fucking good to care if the person came in or not. When the door just busted open, she sat up off the floor and looked at who was standing there. Not that she knew them, but they’d better be shelling out some cash for that door.

  “Are you Sharon Johnston?” She knew better than to answer that. “All right. You want to play hardball, then I can oblige you. Do you have a son by the name of Shane Johnston, age fourteen? A daughter named Ronnie Johnstone, age—?”

  “Whatever they done, I ain’t got no part in it.” She started to lay back down on the floor. “You can leave the cash on the table for the door you broke. I’m not going to pay for that shit.”

  “Shane died an hour ago.” Sharon opened one eye and looked at the man looming over her. “Do you care?”

  “Should I? I mean, what the hell am I supposed to do now? Bury his pansy ass in the backyard? What do I care if he’s dead or not? I had nothing to do with it.” The man jerked her up from the floor. “Hey, that ain’t nice. Christ, you’re strong, aren’t you?”

  “Where is Kenny Morse?” Sharon pointed in the direction of the bedroom but got distracted by the movement of her hand. While she was figuring out how her hand worked, the door to her bedroom was broken too. “Kenny Morse?”

  If there was more said to Kenny, she didn’t hear it. After they busted up another door, she told the people who seemed to be coming from everywhere that they were paying for that one too. As someone was speaking to her, Sharon tried to remember what she’d been doing before the police came into her house.

  “Where is the other one? The girl? She dead too? Do you have any idea how hard it is to chase that little fucker around? She’s fast, I’ll tell you that.” Someone asked her if she knew her daughter’s name. “No. Why would I care? She dead too? I got me some buyers for her. The little pansy too, but you said he was hurt or something.”